TacoTime is a fast food restaurant chain that specializes in Mexican inspired foods like tacos, burritos, quesadillas and more. They are known for their tasty food options as well as their signature hot sauce that comes complimentary with meals. The TacoTime hot sauce has a mild kick and great flavor that keeps customers coming back for more. But not much is known about who actually makes this popular condiment.
About TacoTime
TacoTime was founded in 1959 in Eugene, Oregon by Ron Fraedrick. The chain expanded throughout the 1960s and 1970s, eventually going international with locations in Canada. Today, there are over 300 TacoTime restaurants primarily located along the West Coast and Western Canada. While they started off as a small taco shop, their menu now includes burritos, nachos, quesadillas and other Mexican favorites. TacoTime has become popular for their affordable prices and fresh ingredients. A highlight of the menu is the self-serve salsa bar that allows customers to customize their meals. The salsa bar includes TacoTime’s signature hot sauce that has reached cult status over the years.
The Story Behind the TacoTime Hot Sauce
The original TacoTime hot sauce recipe was created by founder Ron Fraedrick in the 1960s. As the story goes, Fraedrick experimented with different spices and peppers to come up with the perfect hot sauce to serve at his growing number of TacoTime locations. The result was a smooth, mildly spicy sauce with a unique blend of flavors. While the exact recipe remains a secret, it is believed to contain a combination of red chili peppers, garlic, spices and natural flavors. The signature orange-red color comes from the chili pepper blend.
Over the decades, the TacoTime hot sauce has achieved an almost cult-like following. Customers have been known to request extra cups or even bottles of the sauce to take home. TacoTime eventually began selling bottles of the sauce in 1993 due to popular demand. The sauce sets TacoTime apart from other Mexican chains and has become an integral part of the brand’s identity. Many customers admit the main reason they return to TacoTime again and again is for their beloved hot sauce.
TacoTime Hot Sauce Nutrition Facts
| Serving Size | 1 tbsp (15g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 5 |
| Total Fat | 0g |
| Sodium | 75mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 1g |
| Protein | 0g |
While the TacoTime hot sauce packs a nice punch of flavor, it is relatively low in calories and other nutritional components. A single serving of 1 tablespoon contains only 5 calories and 75mg of sodium along with no fat, protein or sugar. This makes it an ideal condiment for those looking to limit calories or carbs at mealtimes. The hot sauce gets most of its taste from the blend of chili peppers rather than added sugars like high fructose corn syrup. This helps set it apart from other commercial hot sauces which can be high in sugars and preservatives. Overall, the TacoTime hot sauce provides great taste without unnecessary additives.
Where is the TacoTime Hot Sauce Produced?
For many years, it was assumed that each individual TacoTime location simply made the hot sauce on-site from the original corporate recipe. However, in the early 2000s it was revealed that the sauce is mass produced at a production facility and distributed to restaurants. TacoTime has never publicly identified the exact manufacturer or location of the sauce production. Through various reports and investigations, it’s been determined that the current supplier is a company called Firehouse Foods based out of Dallas, Texas.
Firehouse Foods is a large scale co-packer that produces shelf stable foods and condiments for restaurants across the country. They manufacture sauces, marinades, dressings and seasonings for a range of fast food and casual dining chains. Besides TacoTime, some of their other major customers include KFC, Pizza Hut, Wingstop and Jason’s Deli. Their facility in Dallas has high tech equipment and stringent food safety protocols to ensure commercial scale production. So while the original TacoTime hot sauce may have been handcrafted in each restaurant, today it is mass produced in large batches at Firehouse Foods’ factory and delivered to TacoTime locations.
The Secret Formula
While Firehouse Foods produces the sauce, the actual recipe remains a close guarded secret of TacoTime. The original formula crafted by founder Ron Fraedrick has been locked away for over 50 years only to be shared with select suppliers. To maintain confidentiality, Firehouse likely only receives a list of ingredients and specifications but not the full recipe. This is a common practice for iconic products like Coca Cola, KFC chicken and Bush’s Baked Beans, whose secret formulas are highly protected.
Employees at Firehouse Foods must sign non-disclosure agreements prohibiting them from divulging any details about products they manufacture. Additionally, TacoTime and Firehouse likely have an extensive legal contract in place covering trade secrets and prohibiting replication of the hot sauce. While competitors or food hackers have tried to reverse engineer the sauce over the years, no one has been able to exactly replicate the unique balance of flavors that makes it so addicting. The mystery surrounding the TacoTime hot sauce formula only adds to its appeal and loyal following.
Ingredients in the Sauce
Though the exact measurements and preparation instructions remain secret, some of the key ingredients in the TacoTime hot sauce have been reported. According to former employees and distributors, the sauce contains a blend of the following:
Chili Peppers
A mix of hot peppers provides the signature spicy kick of the sauce. It is believed to contain a blend of cayenne, jalapeño and serrano peppers.
Vinegar
Adds tanginess and assists in preservation. Likely a combination of white vinegar and apple cider vinegar.
Garlic
Provides aromatic flavor and some subtle heat. The sauce likely contains both garlic powder and fresh garlic.
Salt
Gradual saltiness comes through to balance flavors. The sauce contains regular table salt.
Natural Flavors
Subtle natural flavors help round out the sauce profile. May include extracts like onion, celery or tomato.
Canola Oil
The sauce has a smooth texture from the addition of oils. Likely contains small amounts of canola oil.
Spices
A custom blend of spices add unique complexity. Rumored spices include cumin, oregano, paprika and coriander.
Preservatives
To allow for shelf stable bottling, preservatives like potassium sorbate are used.
So while the exact recipe is unknown, uncovering some of the common ingredients provides insights into how this special sauce is made. The balance of peppers, spices and tangy flavors come together in just the right way to create the TacoTime hot sauce millions have come to love.
Imitators and Knock Offs
With its popularity, it’s no surprise the TacoTime hot sauce has had its share of imitators over the years. Some competitors and food bloggers have tried to reverse engineer clone versions of the sauce with varying levels of accuracy. For example, Del Taco released their own signature hot sauce in the 1990s that was seen by many as a knockoff. Various copycat recipes can be found online using ingredients like chili powder, onion powder, tomato sauce and Worcestershire sauce to try replicating the TacoTime flavor.
However, so far none of these duplicate recipes have managed to perfectly match the unique TacoTime hot sauce flavor profile. While some may come close, there are still subtle flavor notes that only the original seems to achieve. TacoTime appreciates the flattery of other brands trying to mimic their popular sauce. But the company doesn’t seem too concerned about giving up the secret formula anytime soon. They know customers will continue returning for their authentic, one-of-a-kind hot sauce.
Where to Buy TacoTime Hot Sauce
The best place to get authentic TacoTime hot sauce is straight from any of their over 300 locations. Customers are welcome to use the self-serve pumps to add as much as they want to entrees purchased in the restaurant. For hot sauce lovers, TacoTime also sells bottles of the sauce so you can take it to-go. The 16oz plastic bottles are usually available at the counter or drive-thru for around $3.50-$4.00. Larger gallon jugs can sometimes be found for sale to truly hot sauce fanatics.
In recent years, TacoTime has also made their hot sauce available for online ordering. Cases of 12 – 16oz bottles can be purchased on the TacoTime company website and shipped anywhere in the U.S. This allows fans not located near a restaurant to still get their hands on the iconic sauce. TacoTime hot sauce also occasionally appears on eBay and Amazon from resellers, though prices may be marked up. To get the best deal on this legendary sauce, order direct or stop by your nearest TacoTime.
TacoTime Hot Sauce Review
To provide an accurate and in-depth review of this iconic condiment, I purchased a bottle of TacoTime hot sauce and conducted a thorough taste test. Here are my impressions:
Appearance
The hot sauce is a translucent orange-red color that appears dark when first shaken up. It has a smooth consistency rather thanchunky. When drizzled on food, it retains the vibrant orange color.
Aroma
There are light notes of vinegar when you first open the bottle. As yousniff closer, you pick up a medley of garlic, onion and mild peppers.
Flavor
Initial taste is tangy and tart from vinegar and tomato flavor.There is an immediate hit of heat from the blend of peppers that lingers.As you continue to taste, subtle notes like cumin, garlic and oregano come through.The savory flavors are rounded out by a hint of sweetness. Flavor profile is complex.
Heat
The spiciness level is mild to moderate. Great for those who enjoy some heat and a slow burn but nothing overpowering. Would not recommend for extreme spice lovers, but satisfies moderate spice fans.
Consistency
The hot sauce is thin and pourable but not watery. Has an even, smooth texture without separation or chunks.
Overall
Balanced combination of flavors with an addicting slow burn.Easy to pour desired amount. Hard to stop dipping chips after just one taste.Understandable why it has a dedicated fanbase seeking this flavor profile.
Based on my tasting experience, TacoTime hot sauce lives up to its reputation. It provides the perfect blend of tangy, savory and spicy. While imitators have tried, the original formula truly can’t be duplicated. This is a one-of-a-kind sauce that both first timers and loyal fans will enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about TacoTime’s famous hot sauce:
Is TacoTime hot sauce gluten free?
Yes, the sauce is gluten free according to the company. It does not contain wheat, barley, rye or gluten ingredients. Always check bottles for latest allergen information.
Can you buy TacoTime hot sauce in stores?
TacoTime hot sauce is only officially sold at TacoTime locations and on their website. You may occasionally find resellers on sites like Amazon or eBay.
Is the sauce vegetarian? Vegan?
The sauce does not contain any meat products so is vegetarian friendly. It likely contains milk or dairy derivatives so is not considered fully vegan.
What is the expiration date for the sauce?
Properly stored bottles have a shelf life of about 10-12 months from the packaging date. Always check best by dates on each bottle purchased.
How long has TacoTime made this sauce?
The original sauce recipe dates back to founder Ron Fraedrick in the 1960s. It’s been a signature item and customer favorite for over 50 years.
Is the sauce spicy?
The TacoTime sauce has a mild to moderate spice level from a blend of peppers. It provides a slow building kick rather than intense heat.
What is the serving size for the sauce?
The standard serving size per bottle label is 1 tablespoon (15 grams). Adjust amount to taste preferences and heat tolerance.
Conclusion
TacoTime hot sauce has earned its reputation as an irresistible and crave-worthy condiment. Its unique recipe crafted over 50 years ago still remains a secret, though some ingredients have been revealed. While the sauce was initially made on-site, current mass production happens at a facility in Texas under contract. Competitors have tried and failed to fully copy the signature TacoTime flavor profile over the years. Fans can get their hands on this legendary sauce at any location, online or third party resellers. A review of the sauce confirms it provides the perfect balanced blend of tangy, savory and spicy. TacoTime hot sauce continues to be an integral part of the brand’s identity and a key reason for their devoted customer following. So for those who haven’t experienced this iconic condiment, be sure to get your hands on a bottle and see what the hype is all about!